ChatGPT can be your writing assistant, research buddy and partner in crime. With the right prompts, you can save time, make more money and have more fun doing your work. A brilliant use of OpenAI’s flagship platform is for learning. Just like a college tutor, chunky textbook or a wise old sage, but a whole lot faster. With a little knowledge, you can get ChatGPT to teach you things ten times more effectively than any other method.
Rowan Cheung is founder of The Rundown, a fast-growing AI newsletter providing an in-depth look at the latest developments in AI. In less than 4 months, The Rundown has gained a following of over 170,000 subscribers who rely on its content to stay informed about the latest advancements in artificial intelligence. Cheung is on a mission to inform millions of people about the latest advancements in AI and highlight how technology is transforming the world. His AI database, Supertools, records the best tools mentioned in the newsletter.
Cheung’s favourite way of using ChatGPT is for learning and he’s sharing these 10 best prompts to learn anything faster.
1. Simplify complex information
“Prompt: Break down (topic you’d like to understand) into smaller, easier-to-understand parts. Use analogies and real-life examples to simplify the concept and make it more relatable.”
Forget scrolling YouTube for videos or looking for explainer articles. Whenever you want to understand the building blocks of something new, or someone mentions a concept you don’t understand, learn the fundamentals quickly in a way that sticks in your mind.
2. Create a study schedule
“Prompt: I need help organizing my study time for (subject). Can you create a study schedule for me, including breaks and practice exercises?”
Even if you don’t have any upcoming exams, learn a new topic by sticking to a schedule. This might be something complex related to your field, marketing, or even AI itself.
3. Memorize key information
“Prompt: What are the most important facts, dates, or formulas related to (topic)? Help me create a memorization technique to remember them easily.”
If you’re preparing for an interview, about to go on a podcast, or just want to impress your next customer, learning and remembering key information about your topic can be done in minutes. With this prompt, your AI memory assistant will think of catchy rhymes, stories and mnemonics for you.
4. Ask for feedback
“Prompt: I’ve been studying (topic) on my own. Can you review my work and give me feedback on areas I need to improve?”
Ask ChatGPT to review your crib sheet, show notes, course content or resume. Treat it like the editor or professor you would love to have by your side. Even a few pointers in the right direction might vastly improve the impression you give.
5. Apply your knowledge
“Prompt: Use your knowledge of (topic you’re interested in) to solve a real-world problem. Explain your thought process and share your solution.”
Figure out how what you already know could improve your life. Take your areas of strength and see where they might be applied within a wider context. That interest in hot sauce or obsession with snooker might serve you well going forward.
6. Compare and contrast
“Prompt: Compare and contrast (concept 1) and (concept 2) to better understand their similarities and differences. Use examples to illustrate your points.”
Build better rapport with clients by finding the similarities between your interests or areas of work. Check their social media profiles to find what they’re into, then compare and contrast with your hobbies to find common ground for discussion.
7. Learn from mistakes
“Prompt: I made a mistake while practicing (skill). Can you explain what went wrong and how I can avoid making the same mistake in the future?”
Public speaking, that sales meeting that didn’t go ahead, or Twitter posts that are falling flat; improve everything you do by explaining what went wrong and getting a second opinion on where to correct your course.
8. Connect with others
“Prompt: Connect me with a community of learners and experts in (topic). How can I join a forum, social media group or other online community to share my knowledge and learn from others?”
To go fast, go alone. To go far, go together. Entrepreneurship can be a lonely game if you don’t find people traveling a similar path. Connect with people in your industry and find where they hang out using this prompt.
9. Summarize complex texts
“Prompt: I need to read a complicated article related to (topic). Can you help me summarize the key points and takeaways from the text?”
We’ve all been there. Someone sends an article they think we absolutely must read, but it’s five pages long. Get the TL:DR by asking for a summary, and continue the conversation without spending ages looking for the facts.
10. Stay updated
“Prompt: Help me stay updated on the latest developments and trends in (topic). What are some trustworthy resources I can follow to stay informed?”
Get a constant stream of relevant information straight into your inbox by getting ChatGPT to do the research. Instead of waiting for sites, podcasts and newsletters to appear on your radar, get recommendations all at once and tick off the task.
With these 10 clever prompts you can simplify complex information, create a study schedule, memorize key information, and ask for feedback. You can apply your knowledge, compare and contrast, learn from mistakes and connect with others. Finally, summarize complex texts and stay updated. It’s learning, on artificially intelligent steroids. Never fall behind again, and never let lack of knowledge get in the way of your success.